November 20, 1998

Name:

The Walnuts

Age:

Six weeks old

Gender:

Unknown

Breed:

Indian Star Tortoises

Home:

Austin, Texas, USA

The
tortoises do not have names yet by we are referring to them as
"The Walnuts" because they resemble walnuts with legs. I
find these tortoises to be special because they are endangered in
their homeland of India and are taken for granted by humans. These
captive-bred babies were obtained in Texas from a breeder. Their
natural environment is arid and they do not hibernate.

The Indian Star tortoise is completely herbivorous and has a specific
diet requirement, thriving on a high fiber, low protein diet. While
these babies are about six weeks old, they will grow to about twelve
inches and will be mature in ten years. The Indian Star tortoise is
not the easiest to care for, they can be very rewarding pets. As you
can see, these little guys are not bashful when it comes to food.
They will receive appropriate names later when they are older and can
be sexed.